Transcript Coin-Operated Washer/Dryer - Phase 2

Abstract
Functional Requirements
The cost and proprietary mechanisms of commercial coin-operated washer/dryers are limiting
the potential of laundry mat businesses. The team’s client George Ensley has envisioned a
separate coin unit to allow the use of non-commercial washer/dryers in his laundry mat
business. The team’s approach is to develop a separate coin-operated unit that is independent
from the washer/dryer that it controls. The use of non-commercial washer/dryers will allow
laundry mat owners lower initial costs and higher resale values for their washers and dryers.
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The unit shall keep records of the washer’s/dryer’s cycles.
The unit shall contain a 120V and a 240V plug-in socket for the washer/dryer.
The unit shall cut power from the washer/dryer when the overall timer expires.
The unit shall power on when the customer enters in the correct amount of currency.
The unit shall offer a window of time for laundry mat customers to open a washer/dryer during
mid cycle and then resume it’s operation.
Milestones
Problem Statement
The need for a separate coin-operated washer/dryer control unit derived from the high cost of
current commercial washers/dryers with attached coin mechanisms. These high costs have a
burdening effect on laundry mat owners. The high machine cost can also effect the cost of
service, which is paid by laundry mat customers. Once a washer/dryer has been used in a
laundry mat, the laundry mat owner either gives the machine away or keeps it for parts. The
resale value of a commercial machine with the coin unit still attached is extremely less than
that of a regular non-commercial washer/dryer. The goal of this project is to develop a coinoperated unit that is independent from the washer/dryer.
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Complete project cost analysis.
Select a micro-controller.
Use the unified modeling language to design the micro-controller software.
Program and test the functionality of the micro-controller.
Document the project implementation and testing.
Proposed Approach
• Research previous documents and contact previous group
members.
• Consult with client.
• Research washers/dryers, microcontrollers, programming
languages.
• Design end product
• Implement end product
• Create testing scripts, run environment tests, and functionality
tests for end product.
• Present end product and product documentation to client.
Operating Environment
The coin-operated unit will reside in a heated and air conditioned
laundry facility.
Intended User(s) and Uses
The intended users include laundry mat owners and laundry mat
customers.
Technology Considerations
The end product will keep records of cycles and allow the use of
non-commercial washers/dryers in a laundry mat.
• Micro-controller
• Micro-controller programming language
• Spin cycle tilt detection method
Assumptions
Testing Approach
• The current through the washer or dryer is considerably less
when the machine’s door is open compared to normal operation.
• The temperature in the laundry facility will always be between 40
degrees and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The coin mechanism only takes quarters as the currency.
• Testing the micro-controller program.
• Testing the integration of micro-controller and LCD.
• Testing the integration of micro-controller and circuit relay.
• Entire unit functionality testing.
Estimated Resources
Limitations
Prototype must cost less than $100.
The machines require a 240V or 120V outlet.
The non-commercial washers will stall under the unbalancing condition.
The unit has the possibility to be subjected to theft and vandalism.
Latrice
Baggett
25%
Other Resources
Microcontroller
equipment
58%
Hisham
Chowdhury
24%
LCD
12%
Wiring
12%
Craig
Zamzow
25%
End Product
A fully functional power/coin unit that will regulate power flow to non-commercial washers and
dryers.
Casing
18%
Greg Herr
26%
Personnel Costs
Design Objectives
Financial Resources
@ 10.50 per hour
Total
Latrice
Baggett
Final prototype, the PIC code, wiring schematics, the prototype budget, and all senior design
course documents.
$1,512.00
$1,554.00
$1,554.00
$1,491.00
Hisham
Chowdhury
Deliverables
$6,261.00
Greg Herr
$7,000.00
$6,000.00
$5,000.00
$4,000.00
$3,000.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
Craig
Zamzow
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Personal Efforts
Schedule
• Low manufacturing cost.
• User friendly.
• Easy assembly.
Design Constraints
• Cost constraints: Build a prototype unit with a maximum cost of $100.
• Safety constraint: The plug-in cord will be hard wired to the wall so it cannot be removed from
the wall, and the power cord cannot be pulled out of the plug mechanism.
• Case construction constraint: The case should be watertight to prevent water from shorting
out the electrical connections or ruining the LCD/PIC.
• Part availability constraint: The micro-controller, LCD, power supply, relay, and coin
mechanism should be a readily available part.
Conclusion
The completion of the coin-operated washer/dryer unit will offer laundry mat owners freedom
from the proprietary commercial washer/dryer manufacturers. Owning a separate coinoperated washer/dryer unit will be a huge competitive advantage to other laundry mat owners.
This project will not only benefit laundry mat owners, but also laundry mat customers by
reducing the cost of laundry mat service.
Team Members:
Greg Herr, CprE
Craig Zamzow, CprE
Latrice Baggett, EE
Hisham Chowdhury, CprE
Faculty Advisors:
http://seniord.ee.iastate.edu/may0405/
May 04-05
Nicola Elia
Ratnesh Kumar
Client:
George Ensley